February 6, 2014 by San Clemente Times

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE F E B R U A RY 6 -1 2 , 2 0 1 4

LO C A L

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VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

Sending an SOS at SCHS Anti-drug program takes root at San Clemente High School EYE ON SC/PAGE 4

Social worker Susan Parmelee and student Sophia Spralja, founder of a club aiming to give students social alternatives to drinking and drug use, are leading anti-drug efforts at San Clemente High School. Photo by Jim Shilander

TOP 5: City Council Approves General Plan, Ending Four-Year Process

Battle of the Paddle Announces Move to Salt Creek Beach

Inside: South County Real Estate Guide

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SC SURF/PAGE 30

SPECIAL/PAGE 13

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EYE ON SC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SC S a n C le m e n te

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO The Orange County Transportation Authority is trying to exorcise San Juan Capistrano’s “ghost train” problem, but a permanent solution is still several months away. In a presentation to the City Council, Jennifer Bergener, OCTA’s director of rail and facilities, said additional monitoring and adjustments over the next 90 days at the problematic Del Obispo Street railroad crossing could reduce motorists’ wait time to 45-60 seconds. The problem arose in 2011, after OCTA completed an $85 million project to bring safety enhancements to 52 crossings in eight cities. City officials and residents, however, began to experience long waits at the Del Obispo crossing, when arms went down and no trains passed. Councilmembers expressed displeasure at the slow process to find a solution. “This has been going on for three years now, and we’re in no better shape than we were,” Councilman Larry Kramer said.

DANA POINT

NEWS

NEXT DOOR WH AT ’S GOI N G O N I N OU R NE IGH B O R I N G TOW N S

Boulders fell from the bluffs along Coast Highway between Dana Point and San Clemente twice last month, causing lane closures and slight delays, officials said. Last Friday, authorities received notice of a traffic hazard at 11 a.m. in the northbound shoulder, where a 3-foot by 5-foot boulder had landed, Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock confirmed. Hallock said the city of Dana Point responded to the slide and cleared the boulder. On Jan. 10, an apparent rockslide closed Coast Highway in both directions for more than six hours from Beach Road to Camino Capistrano. Rockslides in the area happen from time to time, according to Public Works and Engineering Director Brad Fowler. Concrete barriers along the roadway are in place to block small rock slides, but occasionally that system experiences a failure. No one was hurt in either incident.

SAN CLEMENTE’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…The General Plan?

THE LATEST: After more than four years and dozens of meetings and hearings, the San Clemente City Council formally approved a new General Plan, along with a bicycle and pedestrian master plan and two other associated documents Tuesday. The council, which discussed the plan for more than eight months and held 10 public hearings, reviewed a proposed land use change that could allow owners of the Shorecliffs Golf Course to build a senior housing complex on a 6-acre plot that was zoned for a hotel. Mark McGuire, a representative for the owners, said senior housing was a more appropriate use of the land. City Councilman Bob Baker expressed concern over rumors that the course might be substantially changed as a result of construction. McGuire said there would be changes. Drainage work is also being done by the city on the Prima Deschecha channel, which runs through the course, but that it could simply mean reconfiguring the course. Baker moved that the zoning change require Shorecliffs be maintained as an 18-hole course. WHAT’S NEXT: The adoption starts the clock on the plan’s implementation, which will require updating the city’s zoning codes and others to reflect changes in the new plan. Implementation work could last until 2018, city consultant Brian Judd said. Bicycle San Clemente owner Pete van Nuys, an advocate for the bicycle and pedestrian master plan, also suggested the city look into establishing a mobility committee to help deal with the plan’s implementation. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the plan’s history, visit www.sanclementetimes.com and search “General Plan.” – Jim Shilander San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2014

enough to allow the design firm to create close to the same design for both locations. This could move the project forward sooner than expected, perhaps by a year.

…SONGS Decommissioning?

THE LATEST: Last week, the two majority owners of the shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station announced a number of principles they hope will make the decommissioning process more open to the community, addressing concerns specific to the power plant’s spent fuel. Among the principles announced by Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric was an immediate goal to expeditiously move nuclear fuel into dry cask storage. This form of storage is considered safer and easier to transport than the fuel’s storing location in cooling pools. The announcement also asked the federal government to step up efforts to find a national nuclear waste repository. The utilities also committed to creating a Community Engagement Panel, which will be made up of elected representatives from nearby cities and counties, as well as military personnel, environmentalists and other stakeholders.

WHAT’S NEXT: Council members balked at approving the full $100,000 budgeted for design of the project this year, instead approving $68,000, the estimated cost of doing early conceptual work. Heider said she presented the full amount in order to allow the department to move forward right away with drawings if the council approved the conceptual art. Council members expressed concerns about the pier restroom project, which has gone above $400,000. They urged the cost not be replicated at future renovations, and suggested that the city look into the bidding process to assure the best price.

WHAT’S NEXT: Members of the citizen panel have yet to be named.

THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council took no action during a closed session discussion Tuesday on whether to appeal an Orange County Superior Court judge’s decision to order the return of funds from the city’s Beach Parking Impact Fund. Judge Thierry Colaw issued a ruling Jan. 31 ordering the return of more than $10 million currently in the fund to property owners in the city’s non-coastal zone who have paid into the fund since 1989. City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson said the council was given their options but chose not to act. The council heard from residents on both sides of the issue at Tuesday’s meeting. Former attorney Robert Thompson told

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, follow @S_C_Times on Twitter.

…Beach Restrooms?

THE LATEST: The San Clemente City Council approved moving forward with plans to obtain conceptual designs for the next two beach restrooms on the city’s priority list, Boca del Cañon and T Street. Beaches, Parks and Recreation Director Sharon Heider said the two bathrooms are slated for upgrades on the city’s priority list after the pier restroom. Heider hoped the restrooms might be similar

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS

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…Beach Parking Appeal?

the body it should consider getting outside legal advice on whether to pursue such lawsuits in the future, rather than relying on the city attorney to try the case. He also said it was likely the city could have reached a better deal by settling the case. North Beach resident George Gregory urged the council to appeal, saying he and others who lived in the area had purchased property with the understanding that beach parking would be added. Gregory said there was already a major issue in the neighborhoods around North Beach of people trying to park on the street to avoid paying parking fees. WHAT’S NEXT: Gudgeirsson said the city has between 60 and 90 days to make its final decision. The City Council voted to return the funds in July if they had not been expended, but that vote was taken prior to the decision. FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS

…the July 4th Hit and Run?

THE LATEST: The Orange County District Attorney’s office has not yet filed charges in the July 4 accident that killed Marthann Demchuk, a 76-year-old woman from Monrovia near the corner of Camino Capistrano and Pacific Coast Highway. Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock said the department had given the case to the DA’s office for filing, but no change filing had yet been made. WHAT’S NEXT: A Dana Point woman was arrested in the immediate aftermath of the incident but was not charged. FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www.sanclementetimes.com. – JS www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Shaking the Stigma New efforts aim to provide safe alternative to substance abuse at SCHS By Shelley Murphy and Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

hen social worker Susan Parmelee addresses ninth-grade students at San Clemente High School her message is simple: “I am here for you. What do you need?” Parmelee is part of a student led effort, to produce a cultural change at the school to turn students away from drug and alcohol use. Parmelee said a majority do not partake. But breaking the stigma that says “using makes one cool,” is an important step. Important, not just in changing the school’s culture, but also in providing help to students who have substance abuse issues. Data compiled by state and federal agencies shows students are vulnerable to alcohol and drug use at young ages. In the California Department of Education’s Healthy Kids survey, there are some encouraging signs. The survey is taken every two years, and is administered the high school students in ninth and eleventh grades. Responses are anonymous. The 2012 survey found slightly lower levels of admitted alcohol use, 38 percent of eleventh graders in 2012 said they had never had alcohol, while 37 percent said the same in 2010. Armed with this data and trying to ward off an increase in drug and alcohol use among San Clemente’s youth, Parmelee spent 18 months collaborating on a pilot program to educate the community about high-risk behaviors and unhealthy coping skills. She brought the wellness and prevention program to SCHS Principal Michael Halt who welcomed the concept. “Susan brings a great wealth of resources and energy to our school,” Halt said. “I look forward to being a part of it and making a difference.” Parmelee’s perseverance prevailed and on Jan. 7 SCHS opened the doors to its Wellness and Prevention Program. The program is overseen by Western Youth Services of Orange County, a private firm providing mental health services to children throughout the county. At the school level, it is administered by Parmelee. Available to all students, the program is designed to provide a safe place to discuss struggles, stresses and conflicts, while working on positive solutions. When Parmelee speaks to freshman, San Clemente Times February 6–12, 2014

Student Sophia Spralja and social worker Susan Parmelee are trying to effect a cultural change at San Clemente High School that drugs and alcohol aren’t necessary for a social life. Photo by Jim Shilander

she lets them text her throughout her presentation and beyond. “That’s how kids communicate,” she said. To date, she estimates 150 kids have her phone number and hopes the figure continues to grow. Parmelee is on campus three days a week—Tuesday through Thursday—and on other days is available by phone for mental, emotional and substance abuse support. “I need to be at school full-time,” she said. “But we need more funding.” Many of the emotionally stressed students Parmelee sees are using drugs and engaged in high-risk behaviors. “I’m hearing much more about pot use and how normal that is,” she said. “A lot of kids think it’s not a big deal to drive high, and many daily pot smokers say they drive better. They think it focuses them.” Problems that exist on the SCHS campus exist on campuses across America, Halt added. “I think one of the differences is how we respond to it,” Halt said. “Having Susan present is one of our many responses. Every student knows there is no place for drugs and alcohol on this campus, but kids who have an issue know there are people here who can help.” Parmelee said the program stresses the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and she’s working to remove its stigma. “If a kid has diabetes and is on medication, they don’t really hide it, so the kid that has depression and is on medication shouldn’t have to hide it either,” said Parmelee. “We’re all just trying to take care of ourselves the best we can.” Students discuss a wide range of issues with Parmelee including family matters, anger issues, depression and stress, including an anxiety shared by many students—homework. Students think they have too much of it and it stresses them out, Parmelee said. Responding to student needs, her Wednesday tutorials focus on stress reduction techniques such as coping mechanisms, guided imagery meditation, general discussion and peer support.

“Kids are great in a group. They counsel each other,” she said. Halt supports this approach. “Stress comes in lots of forms and people respond to it differently,” Halt said. “I love the fact that she is casting a wide net and not looking for a specific problem.” Parent education and awareness plays an integral part of the program. Parmelee sends weekly emails to reinforce healthy messages at home. Her first email shared strategies to actively listen to teens and encouraged parents who don’t text their children to start. “We’ve got to communicate at their level,” she said, adding that the parent outreach is working. “I’ve already had parents call me, which is great.” Parmelee also serves as an advisor for Save Our Students, or SOS, a club started last spring by junior Sophia Spralja. The club is designed to provide a place for students to socialize outside of school without drugs and alcohol. “I started SOS because I wanted teens to know not everyone uses drugs to have fun. In the beginning it was really hard to get people for the club—we started with barely five and now have 20 people,” Spralja said. “Each event we have more and more people, and feel that this community can definitely benefit from the club.” Spralja said she mostly wanted to do something to “change the stigma” about those who choose not to use drugs. But said she in order to do that, it was important to “change the culture” at the school. A belief persists among many peers that those who chose not to use can’t be cool. In working to change that, she said she’s tried to adjust the group’s messaging to be one of a “healthy, positive lifestyle” that encourages not using drugs and alcohol without actually saying so. Events so far have included movie nights, ice skating and beach bonfires. “We’re trying to provide a safe place to go on Saturday nights,” she said. “I don’t feel pressures at all to use, but it feels different for everyone.” Mike Darnold who serves as a drug abuse interventionist at Dana Hills High School, also helps lead his school’s SOS Club, which the new SCHS group is mod-

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eled after. At Dana Hills, Darnold said, students were motivated to start the club themselves following a series of student overdoses. “The kids came to me and said they needed a club for kids who don’t want to party,” Darnold said. The club has since grown to 110 members. Some of those students join because of their parents, Darnold said, but others come because they know they need to make a change. “If you want your kids to hang out with the ‘right kids’ go to an SOS activity,” Darnold said. At the beginning though, there were a lot of students whose friends were going down the wrong path, he said. “Many said, ‘I need new friends, but where do I go?’” That fact that students began coming to Darnold first to start the club, and not the other way around, was important, he said. And that’s what made Spralja’s decision to start the club on her own important. Since the founding of the SOS Club at San Clemente, the two schools’ clubs have held a number of events together. “Sophia has done an excellent job of getting it started … she’s an incredible young lady,” he said. But the program really needs two things to sustain itself, Darnold said. The first is continued student leadership. Spralja said most of the club’s 20 members are juniors and seniors, but the group is actively recruiting younger students to serve in future leadership roles. The second, Darnold said, is to get sustained financial support. His position, for example, is supported not by the Capistrano Unified School District, but by the city of Dana Point. Darnold said such funding helps the Dana Hills group because he doesn’t have to worry about raising funds. If he wants to have a bonfire, he said, “The city drops off wood.” “In Dana Point, it was a top-down start. In San Clemente, it’s been bottom-up start. They’ve had to do it more bare-bones,” Darnold said. San Clemente City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson said members of the City Council have received emails from Parmelee asking to speak about the group for possible inclusion in the next city budgeting process. Such an inclusion, he said, would need approval from a special social services subcommittee before moving into the formal budget process. As the new semester starts Parmelee is optimistic about the student response to her wellness and prevention program. “I’m feeling excited. Students are starting to get the word that I’m here,” she said. “If it makes a difference to one kid, it’s all worth it to me, but I hope it’s more than that.” Contact Susan Parmelee at susan. parmelee@westernyouthservices.org. Parmelee will be the guest at the SC Times weekly Beachside Chat on Friday, Feb. 7, at 8 a.m., at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. Information on the SOS club can be found at www.sosschs.com. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Jim Shilander

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

Coffee with a Cop Wednesday San Clemente Police Services invites residents to enjoy “Coffee With A Cop” on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Ellie’s Table, located in North Beach at 120 West Avenida Pico. The event is designed to allow for an informal space to talk face-to-face about issues in neighborhoods, as well as the ability to ask questions and foster relationships with deputies. There is no agenda or speeches.

Sea Scouts Meetings Feb. 19 and Feb. 26 Mariners 936 Sea Scouts will begin a new season in February. The organization provides youth, ages 14 through 18, handson instruction in maritime skills related to recreational boating. Prospective new members and parents are invited for an informational meeting on Feb. 19, at Sea Base, 34451 Ensenada Place in Dana Point. For those unable to make this meeting, there will be a repeat on Feb. 26. The Mariners compete, race, sail and cruise all year. For further membership information, calendars and events can be found at www.mariners936.com or email info@mariner936.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mariners936seascouts.

Friends of Library Presenting Author’s Event The Friends of the San Clemente Library are presenting their 14th annual Meet the Authors event Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort in Dana Point. This year’s event features three well known authors. Elizabeth George is internationally known for her series featuring Inspector Thomas Lynley and his sergeant Barbara Havers has been adapted by the BBC. Gail Tsukiyama’s multicultural upbringing is reflected in the stories she has been writing since her first novel, Women of the Silk, was published in 1991. She has explored the topics of the differences between Chinese and Japanese culture in The Samurai’s Garden and the struggles of young women growing up in World War II Hong Kong in Night of Many Dreams. Karen Joy Fowler is best known for The Jane Austen Book Club, which spent 13 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. She has also written five other novels and three short story collections. Reservations will be taken at 949.493.5504. The cost is $60 and includes lunch.

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City Teacher of the Year Finalists Named The Capistrano Unified School District announced its “Teachers of the Year” from its individual schools last week. Nominees will be eligible for the district’s three teacher of the year awards, nominated in elementary, middle and high school categories. Winners will then have the opportunity to compete for the county’s Teacher of the Year competition. Nominees for San Clemente schools are as follows: Janelle Asakowicz (Truman Benedict Elementary), Kim DeMille (Concordia Elementary), Jolene Smith (Las Palmas Elementary), Susanne Rutherford (Clarence Lobo Elementary), Suzanne Houser (Marblehead Elementary), Caroline DeMarco (Vista del Mar Elementary), Tracy Welter (Bernice Ayer Middle School), Katie Genshaw (Shorecliffs Middle School), Sue Puccinelli (Vista Del Mar Middle School) and Jeff Signer (San Clemente High School).

CUSD School Choice Period Has Begun Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 5, students in the Capistrano Unified School District can apply to one of 38 different schools or academic programs during the annual School of Choice period. The application period ends Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. At the high school level, Capistrano Valley, San Clemente, San Juan Hills and Tesoro high schools are accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year. Aliso Niguel and Dana Hills high schools are only accepting one-to-one transfers due to the number of students they already serve. This means if a student leaves the school, his or her slot may be made available through the School of Choice process. The district’s online programs are not part of the School of Choice process, but are still accepting applications. Applications for online programs are only accepted at those schools. Parents of high school student athletes are urged to learn more about California Interscholastic Federation sports eligibility requirements prior to pursuing the School of Choice process. Transportation to any school other than the home school is the responsibility of parents. For more information, please go to the district website, www.capousd.org, visit the school of choice or call the School of Choice Hotline at 949.234.9335.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@sanclementetimes.com. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

CITY AND COMMUNITY CALENDAR Saturday, February 8 Saturday Produce Basket 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Every Saturday get fresh-picked $20 veggie/ fruit baskets at Villagio Giardino at the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.697.0032, www.vrgreenfarms.com/Basket.

Sunday, February 9 SCAA Meeting 3 p.m.–5 p.m. The San Clemente Art Association meets on second Sundays at the Community Center. Refreshments are served. Members free, nonmembers $5 donation. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.

Monday, February 10 Toddlertime 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Stories for children ages 2-3 with adult participation at the San Clemente Library. 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org.

Tuesday, February 11 San Clemente Collaborative Youth Coalition Meeting 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Discuss needs of community youth; current focus: preventing substance abuse. San Clemente High School Conference Room, 700 Avenida Pico, 949.547.7260, sanclementecollaborative.com. South Coast Detachment Marine Corps League 7 p.m. Open to all active duty, retired or honorably discharged Marines or Navy Corpsman at the San Clemente Elk’s Lodge. 1505 N. El Camino Real, 949.493.4949, 949.361.9252. Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 6 p.m. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org.

Wednesday, February 12 Holiday: Lincoln’s Birthday Veterans of Foreign Wars Meeting 7 p.m. Group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Elks Lodge. 1505 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.2489. Human Affairs Meeting 3 p.m. Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org. Coffee with a Cop 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Join neighbors and deputies for coffee and open conversation at Ellie’s Table. 120 W. Avenida Pico, 949.361.8368, www.san-clemente.org. San Clemente Times February 6–12, 2014

Officials Hoping I-5 Project Whips Backups I-5 widening project kicks off at CUSD headquarters By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

ounty, city and transportation officials kicked off the Orange County Transit Authority’s Interstate 5 widening project at the Capistrano Unified School District’s headquarters Jan. 29 in San Juan Capistrano. The announcement promised the project would “whip traffic congestion,” accompanied by the sound of actual cracking whips. Officials urged residents to be patient during the construction, as the county agency and Caltrans try to alleviate a bottleneck effect that causes major weekend backups in the area by adding a high-occupancy vehicle lane from San Juan Creek Road in San Juan Capistrano to Avenida Pico in San Clemente. As part of the project, the Pico interchange, an important transportation hub for the city, will be reconstructed and widened. It is projected to cost $275 million and last until 2017. The project will likely begin construction on its first phases, between San Juan Creek and Pacific Coast Highway and then PCH to Avenida Vista Hermosa, in April. Staging and engineering work will be done in the months leading up to that start, OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnick said. Lane closures will largely be confined to overnight hours. Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates

SC Sheriff’s Blotter All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

CITIZEN ASSIST El Camino Real, 200 Block (12:36 a.m.) A caller wanted to leave the bar where he worked, but other employees would not allow him to. He was advised to call a cab

“We’ve learned from the Ortega project to work closely with businesses and residents and with Caltrans and OCTA,” Allevato said. Allevato said San Juan is frequently used by commuters looking to bypass backups on I-5. “By adding these lanes, hopefully it’ll relieve congestion and keep people on the freeway,” Allevato said. Donchak said she hopes residents will be patient with the construction. “It’s not going to be business as usual,” Donchak said. “We need to drive more deliberately, safely and cautiously than ever.” She also encouraged residents to keep their eyes on the project and contact OCTA if anything is not as it should be. “The biggest two question marks are how this is going to feel when the Marblehead Coastal project goes vertical, which is very soon, and what’s it going to be like in the summer,” Donchak said. The most significant work in San Clemente likely won’t begin until after the summer, however. Bates said while the process may be painful for a time, the finished project is something she is hopeful about. “I equate it to getting your kitchen remodeled,” Bates said. “You still have to cook and do all that, and it’s very painful, but once you walk into that brand-new kitchen, it’s a wonderful thing. Even with the little discomfort you suffered.” SC

but continued to demand deputies arrive.

from Calle Del Cerro.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Bonanza/Camino de los Mares (12 a.m.) A man was reportedly flagging vehicles down and asking for directions. The caller believed the man was drunk. He was described as 6 feet tall, between 45 and 50 years old, and wearing a dark jacket and dark pants.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Valencia/El Camino Real (4:52 p.m.) A person, who appeared to be homeless was seen at a vacant gas station walking up to people and aggressively asking for money.

Monday, Feb. 3

COMPILED BY JIM SHILANDER

Tuesday, Feb. 4

said the project represents “a promise kept,” referencing the highway spending promised by Measure M. “The work here will benefit all of Orange County,” Bates said. “I-5 is the backbone for the transportation system here in south Orange County. It is the main street that serves more than 600,000 residents.” San Clemente City Councilwoman and OCTA board member Lori Donchak said, as a regular commuter between San Clemente and San Juan, for work at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, she is more than familiar with the traffic issues affecting the area. “There are a lot of people looking forward to the improved efficiency and safety that this corridor is going to afford,” Donchak said. “The OCTA is committed to delivering the M2 promise.” She also noted that the area has one of the few views of the ocean from the Interstate going south along I-5. “It’s a beautiful piece of the country that we’re improving,” Donchak said. She further pointed out that, unlike elsewhere in the county, the traffic is worse on the weekends than on weekdays, particularly during the summer. San Juan Mayor Sam Allevato said the city hopes to take some of the lessons from another transportation project, the refurbishment of the Ortega Highway bridge, as a model for working with businesses in the city.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida Fortuna, 0 Block (5:43 p.m.) A caller reported a loud party of juveniles at a home where a parent was present. The caller reported smelling marijuana. Deputies spoke to the parent, who said it was her daughter’s 16th birthday party, and there was music and cake, but no marijuana. The party was over by 7:30 p.m. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Pico/Calle Del Cerro (5:27 p.m.) A man, described as wearing a sweater and jeans, was walking in the bike lane and wandering into traffic. He was last seen walking on Avenida Pico, up the hill

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TRAFFIC HAZARD Calle Negocio/Calle Amanecer (3:17 p.m.) A caller said they believed a traffic light had been tampered with because there was debris on the ground nearby. One light was red and the other was green. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Avenida Cristal, 0 Block (10:22 a.m.) A man said he was anxious because he thought someone was trying to break in that his house was bugged. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Divertirse, 0 Block (8:57 a.m.) A caller said a man in a blue Chevrolet pickup, described as being in his late 20s and wearing a baseball cap, was driving slowly and was watching them as they left their home. The caller thought the man may have been casing the home. www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

CITY EDITOR Jim Shilander, 949.388.7700, x109 jshilander@sanclementetimes.com

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San Clemente Times, Vol. 9, Issue 6. The SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION: City Council Corner by Jim Evert

Sports Make a Difference in SC There are many opportunities to celebrate the athletic feats of locals

can’t say enough about the importance of sports in our lives, whether young, old or somewhere in between. Sports experiences tend to foster citizenship, social success, peer relationships, leadership and team-player skills and also instill a feeling of initiative in our youth. So there you have it. Involvement in sports helps us all, in more ways than one, to succeed in life. We should always be thinking of ways to integrate sports into our daily or weekly routine. Last year, the San Clemente City Council supported my Sports Hall of Fame concept and we successfully launched the program with our Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation taking the lead. With the program, we recognize various categories of outstanding athletes, including those who have attained professional status, Olympians and contributors, such as coaches, and other individuals who have helped shape athletes and athletic programs in San Clemente. In its inaugural

year, nine locals were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Now in its second year, we are currently reviewing 24 nominations and plan to select three more names to adorn the wall at the San Clemente Aquatics Center. Keep your eyes open for the announcement of the annual SCBPR Foundation “Friend-raiser” this May, where the new inductees will be revealed and honored. We videotaped last year’s event for an “Around Town” program and you can view this at www.san-clemente.org under the video library tab. Soon the city will air a new “Around Town,” which I am host of and which will highlight individuals in San Clemente who either have accomplished sports backgrounds or offer unique programs that foster athleticism in youth. We will feature a local ice skating program, baseball hitting club and surfing lessons for kids with autism. The program will be available on the government access channel (Cox Channel 30 and 854) and the city website.

Stay tuned. There is no shortage of sports opportunities or recreational facilities in San Clemente. This has been a major driving force for many people making a move raise their families here. With 20 parks and three pools, the choices are endless for our youth to try any sport they want. From water polo, swim team, basketball, tennis and soccer, to baseball, rugby, lacrosse and football, among other natural water sports like surfing, every sport and recreational activity is accommodated in our Spanish Village by the Sea. The only challenge will be deciding which one to play. This month we’ll see the Little League season kickoff, filling up baseball fields citywide. Take in a game and cheer on our local youth. Did you know Little League is the largest youth sports organization in the world? And, I have heard San Clemente Little League is one of the largest leagues nationwide. This attests to our town’s passion for sports and recreation,

which I think, contributes to a happy, healthy community. It’s probably no surprise San Clemente was listed as No. 3 in a study by University of Vermont mathematician Lewis Mitchell and his colleagues titled “15 Happiest Cities in the United States” report, falling just behind Napa and Longmont, Colo. To learn more about organized sports offered in San Clemente, go to the city website where there is a complete list under the “Recreation” tab. And for more about the Sports Hall of Fame, visit www. sanclementeparksfoundation.org. And, if you have questions or comments, please email me at evertj@san-clemente.org. Jim Evert was elected to City Council in 2010 and served as Mayor of San Clemente in 2012. SC

neighborhood.

to $750 in later years when we have paid $1,500 for nothing in the meantime. I will also mention that included in the check sent to the city was an amount of $2,399 for the Foothill/Eastern Area toll road. If you do not plan to build the toll road through San Clemente, please return the fee. I am instructing the city of San Clemente to return to me the following: $1,500 plus interest from May 31, 1994 and $2,399 plus interest from that date.

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Letters to the Editor LOSS OF PARKING FUND MEANS LOSS TO NEIGHBORHOODS GEORGE GREGORY, San Clemente

The potential loss of the $10 million parking fund not only effects beach parking but effects health and safety along with property values. With no access or very little access, all the beach value of your homes and community will be squelched. The only parking will be in the already congested neighborhoods with no sidewalks or poor sidewalks, putting not just the resident but the visitor in danger from the overuse of a limited resource. As we know Marblehead has yet to be built, resulting in greater pressure on parkSan Clemente Times February 6–12, 2014

ing. People are parking in beach neighborhoods already to avoid paying parking fees. We have the funds and ability to make these sidewalks safe. We have squandered those funds in alleys for the same folks who have tried to misappropriate the beach parking funds. But let’s not forget that everyone has tried to steal, misappropriate or redirect the parking funds from shyster lawyers to the Chamber of Commerce, Pier Bowl merchants, historic property owners and the Downtown Business Association. I shake my head in wonder at these crooks and wonder why their larcenist behavior has not resulted incarceration. I know, I for one, will not forget the loss of promised equity in my community and

CITY: PLEASE RETURN FEES EARLE MCNEIL, San Clemente

In May of 1994, we sent a check for more than $18,000 to the city of San Clemente for building permits, fees, etc. Included in that amount was $1,500 allocated for beach parking. I find that the city had a fiduciary responsibility to all of us to use the funds for the purpose intended in a timely manner. To wait more than 20 years until the price for land had increased, when you had a fiduciary responsibility, borders on criminal negligence. It also seems unfair to drop the fee

Page 8

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www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Wavelength’s by Jim Kempton

The Importance of the £50 Shirt A Story of the Surf Industry’s infancy and its lasting worldwide appeal

“I

’ll give you 50 pounds for that shirt.” I was hurrying toward the Sloane Square subway entrance on Kings Road in London, rushing to catch the last train back to my university dorm in Sussex. It was summer, warm by English standards, and I was wearing a vintage silk Hawaiian shirt I’d bought at a thrift store in San Diego for 50 cents. It was a beautiful print, one of the old Japanese iridescent dyes, with hula girls, ukuleles and a sketch of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in colors they don’t even make anymore. But 50 British Pounds? That was $125 American dollars. “You must be kidding,” I responded. To understand how much money that was in 1974: Arthur Frommer’s Europe on $5 Dollars a Day was the most popular travel book on the best seller list. But as students we scoffed at it. If you spent $5 dollars a day living here we’d say, you must be a tourist. A cozy room in the coastal town of Newquay where I surfed every weekend cost $1.25 a night—that included a big English breakfast. “I’m not kidding mate,” he said emphaticlly. “Give it to me right now and the 50 quid is yours.”

There were plenty of notions running through my head. His offer was nearly a month’s worth of spending money. My MBA thesis was due soon at university and I had a test in the mornWAVELENGTHS ing on how to open new By Jim Kempton markets. My train was leaving in less than 10 minutes and I was late already. I’d have to ride home on the train with no shirt on. And this funny longhaired Brit wanted to buy something that made no sense to me. “Why?” I had to ask. “You’re a surfer,” he asked. “From California, right? Surfing, California—it’s what happening, mate. Nothing is cooler than surfing and California.” That summer I’d surfed the coast of France, where corduroy lines pumped out of the Atlantic with power and consistency. Beautiful young French girls would cluster at the water’s edge just to check out these American lunatics with their strange looking space sticks. Rental on a beach house for a month was less than the price he was offering for my shirt.

“Well I don’t have another shirt,” I pointed out. “What am I going to wear on the train ride home?” The Cockney dandy took the 50 pound note out of his wallet and held it out. My plight was of absolutely no concern to him. He wanted the shirt. Later, I would learn that he was the manager for a number of the top bands in Britain and that in years to come I would sell Hawaiian shirts to dozens of rock stars in the British pantheon of pop music. But at the moment I was just a 19-year-old surfer trying to figure out how the world worked and how to work the world. It was a seminal moment. Several truths became simultaneously apparent. Number one: Surfing and the California beach culture was something way bigger than I realized. It wasn’t just a bunch of us West Coast kids who were onto the secret thrill of this wave riding thing—it was the whole world. Number two: This was my MBA thesis, and this was the new market that needed to be opened. Number three: There was a business to be made selling surf stuff—and I was going to do it. Lastly and most immediately satisfying—I was going to surf waves in Biarritz again—for

a month—free. I caught the two-hour train ride all the way back to my dorm room. Without a shirt. Jim Kempton spent his next five years traveling to Europe, Australia and Hawaii selling Aloha shirts and other surfing related products to the fledgling surf shops springing up around the globe. In those same years, Quiksilver, Billabong and Ocean Pacific became brands that would lead to a global surf industry. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

CORRECTION: Last week’s story on the city’s Beach Parking Impact Fund contained incorrect information about the amount of principal and interest in the beach parking fund. The SC Times was originally provided with incorrect information, as a result of a transposition of numbers caused by a spreadsheet error. We regret the mistake.

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

SC S a n C le m e n te

THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

thursday

WATERCOLOR: TRADITIONS AND NEW DOORWAYS 7 p.m. Casa Up Close series presentation featuring watercolor master, Timothy J. Clark, at Casa Romantica. Admission $15. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

friday

BACKYARD SKILLS WORKSHOP: SOURDOUGH BREAD 1 p.m.3 p.m. The Ecology Center teaches how to eliminate preservatives and plastic wrap while making homemade, all natural sourdough bread. Tickets $20 members, $30 non-members. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT 7:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. Pete Huttlinger, former John Denver lead guitarist and national guitar champion, performs as part of an ongoing concert series.Tickets $30. Dana Point Community House. 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com. CIDERLICIOUS TASTING 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Special tasting event at San Clemente Wine Company. Tasting fee includes bar snacks. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com. THE FANTASTICKS 8 p.m. Cabrillo Playhouse presents the story of a young man and the girl next door. Tickets $20-$25. Shows through Feb. 2. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org. LOS LONELY BOYS 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2014

AT THE MOVIES: ‘LABOR DAY’ IS A LONG WEEKEND ‘Tis the season for Valentines, candy and dates. For Hollywood that means releasing a lot of their romantic films. One of the most hyped has been Jason Reitman’s adaptation of Joyce Maynard’s novel Labor Day. Popular during the film festival circuit last year, the star-studded drama was finally widely released last weekend. But it seems to be a bit of an oddball flick, considering the resumes of Reitman and leads Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet. In a Massachusetts town in 1987, a young boy named Henry Wheeler (Gattlin Griffith) lives with his depressed mother Adele (Winslet) after family patriarch (Clark Gregg) leaves them for his secretary. When an escaped criminal named Frank Chambers (Brolin) uses the Wheeler’s house as a hiding place, secrets are revealed about Adele’s depression and Frank’s past. Within Labor Day weekend, the three © Paramount Pictures start acting like a family and cooking food together. Frank’s unexpected knack for recipes shows through. James van der Beek, J.K. Simmons and Tobey Maguire co-star. The most interesting thing about Labor Day is that Reitman chose to shoot the film as a thriller more than a straight melodrama. The downside is that Brolin and Winslet are two very odd choices to play an angst-ridden couple in a romance, to the point of being miscast. Reitman is a great filmmaker of satire and drama, but his love stories could use a bit more polish. — Megan Bianco

saturday

HUNT FOR HEARTS IN NATURE 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Join The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy for a walk along Gato Trail hunting for heart-shaped natural objects. Adults $10, kids $5. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

SADDLEBACK JAZZ DAY 7 p.m. Day-long event and performances leading up to shows by the Saddleback Big Band and Tony Malaby in the McKinney Theatre. General admission $10. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts. WHALE WATCHING WITH UNDERWATER VIEWING PODS Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari offers 2.5-hour trips daily. Call for departure times. View whales and dolphins eye-to-eye underwater while aboard a hi-tech catamaran sailboat. Tickets $59 adults, $39 kids (3 to 12), under 2 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

sunday

FALCONRY DEMONSTRATION 6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Licensed falconer Adam Chavez will educate about this “bird of prey” at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS 7 p.m.9:30 p.m. Kick off to a nine-week class series that utilizes biblical principles to strengthen couples’ finances and relationships at St. Clement’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Call to register. 202 Avenida Aragon San Clemente, 949.492.3401,www.scbythesea.org. SPEAKING EVENT 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Samaa Habib, author of “Face to Face with Jesus,” tells her journey of hope, encouragement and faith from the terror of a bombing in the war-torn Middle East at Heritage Christian Fellowship. 109 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.361.1022, www.hcfsc.org. OC WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Friday and Sunday evenings for a 90-minute Harbor cruise featuring a sampling of appetizers and four wines from The Organic Cellar. Cost Page 10

$49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com. MARINE MAMMAL CRUISE 10 a.m. Board the Ocean Institute’s R/V Explorer for the opportunity to see fish, dolphins, sea lions and other wildlife along the coastline. Cost $22 kids, $35 adults. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

monday

SMOKEY KARAOKE 8 p.m. Your turn to get onstage at BeachFire. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY 10 a.m. Special showing of WWII movie, The Monuments Men, at the Krikorian San Clemente. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.

tuesday

THE WIZARD OF OZ 7:30 p.m. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $29. Shows through Feb. 23. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.

wednesday

COMMUNITY ART NIGHT 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Art event every Wednesday night at Bull Taco with kids’ arts and crafts, and more. 1527 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.1739, www.bulltaco.com.

SALSA NIGHT 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live band and DJ with plenty of dancing at Brio Tuscany Grille every Wednesday. 24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com www.sanclementetimes.com

GETTING OUT

Bringing Local History to Life Symphony to tell of Dana Point’s treasured past By Andrea Papagianis San Clemente Times

ana Point Symphony artistic director Berenika Schmitz has envisioned a community symphony orchestra like no other since the beginning. Striving to make each performance unique, Schmitz has re-imagined traditional concert formulas to highlight the symphony’s woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings over the last three years. She did so with added multi-media elements, dancers and singers last symphony season. This year, with music director Dean Anderson, Schmitz is taking the symphony outside the concert hall doors and into the open air of the Dana Point Harbor, for a high-flying performance aboard a historic tall ship. “This show re-conceptualizes the symphony and shows it in a completely different way,” Schmitz said. In partnership with the Dana Point Festival of Whales, Ocean Institute, South Orange County School of the Arts and professional opera singers, aerialists and bagpipers, Schmitz and Anderson have set out to illuminate Dana Point namesake, Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s two-year narrative, Two Years Before the Mast, in a “fantastical” way. “I thought this would be entirely unique, and it is my artistic expression of what a symphony could mean for a community and how it can be in a show and still maintain

A partnership with the Dana Point Festival of Whales, Ocean Institute, musical theater students and the Luminario Ballet (above), will kick off the Dana Point Symphony’s (below) third season aboard the brig Pilgrim with a high flying show. Courtesy photos

artistic integrity,” Schmitz said. Set on the Ocean Institute’s historic replica of the Pilgrim, which carried Dana Jr. to the Southern California shores in 1835, three symphony performances will seek to share Dana Point’s storied past with audiences in a new way. The symphony will be in full force with Anderson, acting as the concerts’ lynchpin, and will be accompanied by musical theatre, opera and aerial performances. Suspended from the tall ship’s two masts will be aerialists with the Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles—think Cirque du Soleil. Singers from both the Los Angeles Opera and San Diego Opera will also be performing live, telling the area’s history with musical theatre performers from SOCSA. “What I wanted to highlight is the risk taking of the artists, and the courage needed to get up to sing, dance and perform live in the age of lip-syncing and smoke and mirrors,” Schmitz said. “There will be smoke and mirrors, but

everything is real. These performances will highlight risk taking, true artists and true artistry in live performances.” The symphony’s third season opens aboard the brig Pilgrim on Friday, March 7 during the second weekend of the Festival of Whales. The show begins at 7 p.m. Opening night will be followed by a matinee performance on Saturday, March 8 at 3 p.m. with another performance at 7 p.m. that night. Tickets are $25. Space for opening weekend is limited to 200 seats a performance. Children and teens under 15 can attend the Saturday matinee for free, but must reserve a seat. Three other concerts will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, located at 33926 Calle La Primavera, on Saturday, March 29 and Friday, April 25, with the symphony orchestra’s grand finale on Saturday, May 31. Concerts at St. Edward begin at 7:30 p.m. Season passes for the three symphony shows at St. Edward are available for $50. Individual tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and members of the military. Ticket information can be found at www.danapointsymphony.com. Schmitz also sits on the Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission, and is the executive director of Casa Romantica Cultural Center in San Clemente. SC

1706 Avenida Salvador, San Clemente Designed by award-winning La Jolla-based architect Wallace E. Cunningham, to frame dramatic views of the surf from every room, San Clemente’s legendary Sea View estate offers a once-in-lifetime opportunity to own a custom home of true distinction. Wallace’s award-winning design boasts angles and shuttering walls that provide appreciated privacy and channel views from the residence’s ridgeline location to the famous Cotton’s Point shoreline, Catalina Island, outstanding sunsets and city lights. Surrounded by sloping manicured grounds highlighted by a towering custom sculpture, Sea View is settled behind a custom contemporary gate and long, curving drive. Two levels encompass formal and casual living areas, three bedrooms and two-and-one-half baths in approximately 2,674 square feet. View terraces invite the outdoors into living areas that showcase Pella sliding glass doors with built-in adjustable blinds, Italian teak Panto doors throughout, a powder room with handcrafted glass sink, dark walnut hardwoodfloors on the main level, custom designer furnishings and custom built-ins throughout. The master suite hosts a step-up ocean-view tub and a cedar-lined walk-in closet. Sea View estate in San Clemente-the ocean is calling you home.

SC LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

SUDOKU by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

Famed Choir Coming to Casa Choir of Oxford students will stop in San Clemente on American tour By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

he Cathedral Choir of Christ Church College, Oxford, one of the oldest and most famous choirs in the world, will make a stop in San Clemente as a part of their North American tour, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens executive director Berenika Schmitz, a Christ Church alumna, announced this week. In addition to a pair of performances, the choir, which consists of a mix of boys selected from throughout the United Kingdom for training at a special choir school at Oxford University, as well as men who work or study at the school, will hold a special workshop with choirs from San Clemente High School, South Orange County School of the Arts and Tesoro High School. The group has performed for Queen Elizabeth and various other dignitaries, and was featured on the theme recordings for BBC television programs “Mr. Bean” and

“The Vicar of Dibley.” The choir also performs at daily church services at the cathedral. Schmitz said the choir’s weeklong stay in San Clemente will allow them to use the Casa as a home base. “That’s wonderful, because, of course this is a home,” Schmitz said, referring to the Casa’s former owner, Ole Hanson, San Clemente’s founder. In addition to a performance on Friday, March 28, the choir will also hold a special fundraising event for the Casa Wednesday, April 2. The event will include a recreation of the “High Table” at Christ Church, which was one of the models for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy in the Harry Potter series, and was home to Parliament during the English Civil War. The evening will include a private performance of the group and an auction for trip to Oxford that will include a three-night stay at Christ Church and dinner with the school’s dean. Call 949.498.2139 for ticket information.

BUSINESS NEWS

Carbonara Takes Over DBA

hristina Carbonara already has plenty on her plate, running her family’s Avenida Del Mar restaurant, Carbonara’s Trattoria, and the catering operations. Now, Carbonara has added a new hat, president of the Downtown Business Association. Carbonara was elected to take over the DBA in December, after serving as the group’s vice president the previous year. Michael Kaupp, the owner of Stanford Court Antiques, is still on the board. Carbonara said the coming years will be crucial for the city’s downtown, as Marblehead Coastal’s commercial operation begins construction later this year. Developer Steve Craig will address the City Council at their Feb. 18 meeting to update the status of the outlet mall. “We want to preserve the historic downtown and promote our events,” Carbonara said. “We’re also looking at creating more community events.” The organization was currently focused on their annual car show, scheduled for Sunday, June 8. Carbonara said, while there was fear about the effects of the outlet mall amongst downtown merchants, she was looking to combat this by expanding the group’s outreach to other areas of the city. This included expanding along El Camino Real to ensure businesses remain viable, as well as partnering with groups like the Chamber of Commerce and reestablishing a partnership with the city. SC No Plans for Camino de Estrella Vacancies espite rumors of “big-box” grocers and home improvement stores considering a pair of recently vacated properties on Camino de Estrella, there have been no formal plans submitted to the city, Associate Planner Amber Gregg said. A resident of the area, Gregg said she heard rumors about a potential Home Depot going into the space recently occupied by Kmart, which closed last year. Such a move, however, would likely require a substantial remodel of the building and would require a longer permitting process. Gregg said she had also hear talk of a grocery store, either Whole Foods or Sprouts, may consider the property formerly occupied by Big Lots, but no permits have been pulled. That planning process would likely not require the same level of scrutiny, she said. SC –Jim Shilander

The Cathedral Choir of Christ Church College, Oxford, will be performing at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens this spring. Courtesy photo

San Clemente Times February 6-12, 2014

Page 22

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC LIVING

Forty-Year City Employee Feted by City Buenrostro honored, Olympian tells employees preparation is key to success in keynote speech By Jim Shilander San Clemente Times

or 40 years, Carlos Buenrostro Jr. has been a part of the maintenance crew at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. Last Thursday, Buenrostro, the city’s longest tenured employee was honored for both his length of service and as the city’s Employee of the Year. Buenrostro started working at the golf course in 1973. A native of Texas, he settled in San Clemente after meeting his wife, a native of Capistrano Beach, following his return from Vietnam, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Initially a part-time employee, Buenrostro started earning $2.17 per hour. Early in his career, Buenrostro was offered a position at UPS, but since it required him a move to Santa Ana, he turned it down to allow his wife to be closer to her family. Buenrostro knew he would be receiving recognition for his 40 years with the city at the event, but said he had no idea he’d be given the employee of the year award. He now leads the maintenance crew at the course, and is noted for his hard work, dedication and ability to do what needs to be done without being asked.

Employee of the Year Carlos Buenrostro accepts congratulations from Olympic-champion gymnast Peter Vidmar, left, Mayor Tim Brown and City Manager Pall Gudgeirsson. Photo by Jim Shilander

“It means so much,” Buenrostro said. “It motivates me a little bit more to continue. I keep telling people this is my last year.”

Mayor Tim Brown told the employees at the event that many in the city did not fully appreciate the work city employees do to make the city what it is.

“A lot of people are oblivious to the work that goes on in San Clemente,” Brown said. “It was only when I got on City Council that I gained a knowledge of what goes into making San Clemente truly great.” Among the other longtime employees honored at the event were Effrain Villalobos, a utilities worker who has been with the city for 30 years, Mike Craddock, who has been a utility plant operator for 35 years as well as a number of 20- and 25-year honorees. San Clemente resident and former Olympic gymnast Peter Vidmar, who won two gold medals and a silver at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, emphasized the importance of preparation to succeed during the event’s keynote speech. As a college gymnast at UCLA, Vidmar said he and teammate Bart Conner motivated one another to finish practices by imagining they were competing to win the team gold and needed to perform perfectly. While neither man actually thought this was possible, the exact scenario played out at the ’84 games, he noted, helping him to focus on what it took to win. SC

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING

LANDSCAPING

Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

APPLIANCES South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

949.492.5589

Costa Verde Landscape License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) www.costaverdelandscaping.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.361.9656

MANAGEMENT - HOA AMMCOR 949.661.7767 910 Calle Negocio, Ste. 200, www.AMMCOR.com

APPLIANCES SERVICES & REPAIRS

MATTRESSES

ASAP Appliance Service 949.361.7713 South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 3200 Legendario, www.asapapplianceservice.com 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

ART GALLERIES

BOOKS

Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com

MORTGAGES

Village Books 949.492.1114 Brian Wiechman, 949.533.9209 99 Avenida Serra, www.DowntownSanClemente.com Equity Coast Mortgage, a division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, www.equitycoastmortgage.com CHOCOLATE/CANDY Lure of Chocolate, Gourmet Foods & Gift www.LureofChocolate.com 949.439.1773 Schmid’s Fine Chocolate 949.369.1052 99 Avenida Del Mar, www.schmidschocolate.com

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

949.350.4692 Kevin

CONCRETE Costa Verde Landscape License: 744797 (C-8 & C-27), www.costaverdelandscaping.com

949.361.9656

DENTISTS Eric Johnson, D.D.S. 949.493.9311 647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, www.drericjohnson.com Kristen Ritzau DDS 949.498.4110 122 Avenida Cabrillo, www.KristenRitzauDDS.com

ELECTRICAL Arcadia Electric www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

Antonio Fiorello, Forté Realty Group 949.842.3631 San Clemente, www.forterealtygroup.com Marcie George - Star Real Estate South County marciegeorge@cox.net 949.690.5410 “Sandy & Rich” - ReMax www.sandyandrich.com

109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

KC Painting & Decorating 949.388.6829 3349 Paseo Halcon, www.bringcolorintoyourlife.com

PEST CONTROL

949.496.0123

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HOME DÉCOR 949.492.5589

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POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL SC Pool & Spa Works 949.498.7665 1311 N. El Camino Real, www.scpoolworks.com

PRINTING

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BRAND NEW QUEEN PILLOWTOP MATTRESS - $159 Brand name queen pillowtop mattress, brand new, still sealed in the MFRs South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 original plastic. $159. Not refurbished, Not 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com rebuilt, Not used. 949-682-5351

TILE & STONE INSTALLATION/ RESTORATION Yorba Linda Tile & Marble, Inc. 714.757.3490 www.yorbalindatilemarble.com, CA License # 789312

WATER DAMAGE

949.499.4464 Images/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 A to Z Leak Detection Jarvis Restoration -24/7 949.362.5388 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.atozleakdetection.com 2927 Via San Gorgoinio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com 1393 Calle Avanzado, www.jarvisrestoration.com Bill Metzger Plumbing 949.492.3558 HAIR SALONS 1218 Puerta del Sol, www.billmetzgerplumbing.com TUTORING Kreative Hair Design 949.498.6245 Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 Tutor Toes 949.429.6222 173 Avenida Serra www.chicks-plumbing.com 111 W. Avenida Palizada, Ste. 11, www.tutortoes.com

South Coast Furniture & Mattress 109 Calle de los Molinos, www.southcoastfurniture.com

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Sanctuary Salon & Spa 949.429.5802 1041 Avenida Pico, Ste. B, www.sanctuarytalega.com

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Sea View Pharmacy 949.492.5589 665 Camino De Los Mares, #101 www.seaviewpharmacy.com

Oasis Heating & Air 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

Call at Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

DANA POINT MARLUNA CLEAN HOME IN A GATED COMMUNITY. Open floor plan 4 bedrooms (main floor bedroom/office), 3 949.366.9386 SC Rider Supply 949.388.0521 Café Calypso bathrooms. Living room, dining room, family 114 Avenida Del Mar #4 520 S. El Camino Real, www.scridersupply.com room, large kitchen, 1 year old floors, inside ROOFING CONTRACTORS laundry, 2 fireplaces, central A/C, 3 cars gaMUSIC LESSONS rage, 2,245 sq. ft., lot 5,300 sq. ft. 5 minutes Jim Thomas Roofing 949.498.6204 Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 162 Calle de Industrias to Dana Point harbor and beaches, shopwww.danmans.com ping centers, restaurants, movie theaters SALONS Janet Poth - Violin & Viola 949.922.6388 and schools. Includes refrigerator, stove, 413 Calle Pueblo, janpoth@aol.com Salon Bamboo 949.361.3348 microwave oven, washer and dryer. Avail150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, www.salonbamboo.com OFFICE FURNITURE Salon Bleu 949.366.2060 able on 2/15/14. $3,390/month. Victor: tel: 714-553-5569, realtorvm@yahoo.com South Coast Furniture & Mattress 949.492.5589 207 S. El Camino Real, www.scsalonbleu.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 Colony Termite Control 949.361.2500 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com 949.492.3459 1402 Calle Alcazar, www.colonytermite.com

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PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS The Bargain Box 949.492.2800 949.361.1045 Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD 949.361.4867 (GUMS) 526 N. El Camino Real, www.capistranovalley.assistanceleague.org 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, www.moranperio.com

ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, TRUST Lange & Minnott 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Ste. 203

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San Clemente Art Association 949.492.7175 100 N. Calle Seville, www.scartgallery.com

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WEBSITE DESIGN San Clemente Website Design 949.246.8345 www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

Printing OC 949.388.4888 Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

949.444.6323

MENS SMALL WETSUIT Mens Rip Curl Wetsuit, short-arm, full suit. New condition. Size small $85. Call or text 949.533.9761. BED FRAME Metal bed frame. Adjustable for all sizes. $35/obo. New condition. 949.533.9761

GARAGE SALES SC MULTIFAMILY GARAGE SALE Saturday 2/8. 7am- 2pm furniture, clothing, household items, collectables small appliances and miscellaneous items! 3203 S El Camino Real at the Corner of El Camino Real and San Fernando by SAN’O- MART Liquor

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San Clemente Times February 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12, 2014

Page 25

www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS third consecutive year. The Tritons (19-2-1, 5-1) now have two games remaining on their schedule, the first will be against Mission Viejo on Feb. 7. The Tritons easily defeated the Diablos 3-0 back on January 22. The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last match of the year will be against Capistrano Valley, who handed the Tritons their first league loss in over one year two weeks ago, on Feb. 11.

Triton Report By Steve Breazeale

For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Clemente winter sports teams, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports. WRESTLERS FINISH SECOND AT LEAGUE FINALS The San Clemente wrestling team ended their league schedule with a second-place finish at the South Coast League finals meet on Feb. 1. Laguna Hills took home the league championship. The Tritons (14-3, 3-1 league) had 12 place-winners at the meet, more than any other school. Those 12 will now advance to CIF-SS competition. As a team, the Tritons will await the decision of the CIF to see if they will be selected for the CIF Dual Meet Championships on Feb. 8. Brackets for the tournament will be released Feb. 6. The Tritons advanced to the semifinals of the meet last season. TRITONS GIRLS WATER POLO IN FIRST Following back to back wins over Dana Hills and Laguna Hills on Jan. 28 and Jan.

San Clemente senior Alek Cucuk and the boys soccer team clinched at least a share of the South Coast League title last week. Photo by Steve Breazeale

30, respectively, the San Clemente girls water polo team padded their lead in the South Coast League standings. The Tritons (18-7, 6-0 league) now sit in first place, two games ahead of El Toro (8-11, 4-1). San Clemente was tested in their match against Dana Hills, and held a slim 8-7 lead over the Dolphins heading into the fourth quarter. But the Tritons, who were led by a resurgent Amber McCutcheonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gamehigh seven goals, were able to pull of an 11-8 victory. McCutcheon, a sophomore center, had been injured most of the season and returned to the roster last week. The Tritons then breezed their way past

Laguna Hills in a 16-7 league win that saw six players net two or more goals. Goalie Madison Atkins made 17 saves in the victory. San Clemente is set to host El Toro, who still has three league games to play, on February 11. BOYS SOCCER CLINCHES SHARE OF LEAGUE TITLE Junior forward Blayne Martinez scored a late second-half goal against Aliso Niguel on Feb. 1 that gave the San Clemente boys soccer team a 1-0 South Coast League victory. The win ensured the Tritons will have at least a share of the league title for a

TRITONS HOOPS EYEING OUTSIDE CHANCE AT PLAYOFFS If the San Clemente boys basketball team is going to make the CIF-SS playoffs for a sixth consecutive year, they are going to need a little help. After falling to Dana Hills 64-39 on Feb. 1, the Tritons (11-12, 2-3) are officially out of the race for a Sea View League title. With three games remaining on the schedule, San Clemente will need to grab at least two wins and hope that secondplace Trabuco Hills (13-9, 4-1) falters down the stretch. With standout forward Sam Darnold nursing a broken hand, the Tritons have been relying on Cole Fotheringham, Nick Crankshaw and Gage Shelmidine to provide the offense. Fotheringham had a team-high 12 points in the loss to the Dolphins. Crankshaw produced another solid night, scoring eight points, dishing out six assists and grabbing 10 rebounds. San Clemente will host Laguna Hills on Feb. 7.

SC SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

SC S a n C le m e n te

GROM OF THE WEEK KEITH CHRISTL

Age: 14, Bernice Ayer Middle School Eighth-grader Keith Christl is in his first year longboarding for the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team. He is currently the No. 3 ranked surfer in Scholastic Surf Series Orange County Middle School boys longboard competition. Keith is considering trying out for the San Clemente High School surf team next year but may opt to instead compete in baseball, water polo or both. He has been playing baseball since he was 7 and considers it his best chance at an athletic scholarship. “I want to play in Keith Christl. Courtesy photo high school and try for a scholarship,” he said. “My dream is to play for Stanford.” A straight-A student, he plans to continue taking academics seriously as well, as he is really looking forward to college. Keith started surfing when he was 6 and was riding mostly shortboards by the age of 10. He rediscovered a love for longboarding and returned to it about two years ago. “I like it because it’s more stylish and smooth and more about really riding the wave,” he said. “Hanging on the nose is more fun to me.” Whether sports, academics or other interests, Keith credits his family for helping him to succeed. “I’m lucky to have a family that really supports everything I do. My mom and dad take me everywhere, encourage me to try new things and help me with everything,” he said. “My brothers Luke and Sean both surf on the team with me and cheer me on. They really encourage me to do better.”—Andrea Swayne

Battlefield Moves from Doho to Creek Battle of the Paddle SUP event organizers announce relocation to Salt Creek Beach By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

Doho tradition came to an end Feb. 2 as organizers of the seventh annual Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle announced its move from Doheny State Beach to Salt Creek Beach in 2014. In November, following last year’s stand-up paddle event, competitors were notified that dates for 2014 were yet to be set, a change of venue was possible. The SUP community anxiously awaited an announcement, and although rumors swirled, talk remained relatively quiet. That was until posts on SUP related blogs and athlete Facebook pages—alluding to a disagreement between Battle organizers from Rainbow Sandals and State Beach authorities—began popping up last week. Rich Haydon, park superintendent for Doheny State Beach, declined to go into detail but said although the California State Parks likes the event in general and considers it noteworthy, unaddressed concerns as well as the Battle’s large size contributed to the move. He said issues at last year’s event “rose to a level where they needed to be satisfactorily addressed in order for the Battle of the Paddle to continue at Doheny in 2014.” He added, such issues have been present every year and caused impacts on state beach operations. “We’ve had concerns after every event in the last five years with regard to making it better, and our concerns were not addressed. And, quite frankly, the event has probably outgrown Doheny under its current format,” Haydon said. “Without our requested changes in areas of public safety and general operations, it has become untenable. We do, however, wish them future success in their endeavors.” Rainbow Sandals owner Jay “Sparky” Longley said he was disappointed that San Clemente Times February 6–12, 2014

SC SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Competitors line up at the start of a race at the 2013 Battle of the Paddle. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

after so many years park officials would not meet with his event management team to work out a resolution. “There were many issues over the years we couldn’t come to agreement on. We felt like they were nitpicking, and every year it was something else. We feel like we run a great event,” Longley said. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was when they wouldn’t allow us to come to the table with our event manager to solve the problems. But when we were told that if we kept the same event manager we couldn’t have the Battle of the Paddle at Doheny, we had to make the decision to move. We weren’t given a change to address their grievances.” Event manager Barrett Tester acknowledged there were times when he didn’t exhibit the most polite demeanor in responding to issues but said he has since made apologies verbally and in writing. “Were there a few issues? Yes. But it was very surprising how far south things went. As much as they complain that we have not addressed their concerns regarding the event, neither have they addressed

ours,” Tester said. “The whole thing is upsetting but we want to turn the situation into a positive and have the best event possible in our new, bigger venue.” State Parks estimates last year’s event brought 18,000 attendees over two days and filled the 1,240-space Doheny parking lot. Even with more than 1,270 competitors and 171 exhibitors, Battle organizers said the event is a money maker for the state park but not for Rainbow Sandals. Due to expensive permit fees, and despite registration fees, exhibitor fees and sponsorship, the company estimates having spent nearly $1 million over the last six years to run what has been deemed the largest stand-up paddle event in the world. “We don’t do this for the money,” Longley said. “We do it for the community and we’re happy to be keeping it here in Dana Point, the SUP capital of the world.” Pat Huber, marketing director for Rainbow Sandals said the split was a mutual decision. “The facts are we need a bigger venue, we outgrew Doheny,” he said. “Salt Creek

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SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-10’+ Poor-Fair Immediate: Small west-northwest swell continues through the day. Better breaks run ankle-knee-thigh high (1-2’+), with some better sets for standout winter focal points to waist high (3’) at times. Conditions are semi clean with light east-southeast to southeast flow in the morning, giving way to a light+ southwest to west sea-breeze in the afternoon. Size is up slightly on Friday, with less favorable conditions as a low passes by the region bringing moderate+ onshore flow. Long Range Outlook: Slow through the weekend, as old west-northwest swell mix fades out and some new west-northwest swell joins in. Winds look favorable for the mornings, with moderate afternoon onshore flow due. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

has more available parking and a stadium arena feel, making for better viewing. The view from the hill and the point add a view from above, rather than just from the beach.” Huber said plans for parking include lots at Salt Creek, Strand Vista Park and Dana Hills High School. Shuttle services to and from the beach will be included. Acknowledging that Salt Creek is generally regarded as a surf break and larger swells can make for very challenging conditions, Huber said the change of venue keeps pace with the increasing skill level of competitors and will bring a welcome challenge, especially the elite racers. “You could see it plainly at last year’s event. We had more people finishing with closer times than the years before. Even the talent among the kids has increased,” Huber said. “We are well aware that conditions can be very challenging at Salt Creek on a big day and are most concerned with running a safe event. For that reason, we have alternative courses planned for the kids and open divisions, in the event the swell is too big.” The 2014 event is scheduled for Oct. 4 thru 5. SC www.sanclementetimes.com